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Man dies after diving into Sandy River

Gresham's Edward Wyatt Jr. died of chest injuries

TROUTDALE - A 40-year-old Gresham father of two died of blunt force trauma to the chest Saturday afternoon after diving into the Sandy River near Dabney State Park.

Edward Wyatt Jr. was at the park June 24 with his roommate and an acquaintance when he reportedly dove off a 30- to 50-foot-high cliff across from the park about 3:40 p.m., said Lt. Jason Gates, Multnomah County sheriff's office spokesman.

Witnesses said Wyatt attempted to do a flip while he was in the air, but failed and landed on his stomach when he hit the water, Gates said.

Wyatt resurfaced and began to swim, but soon went under water. Bystanders pulled him to shore and performed CPR until medical personnel arrived. Life Flight was placed on standby, but officials were unable revive Wyatt after trying to resuscitate him for 30 minutes.

The incident is a tragic reminder that the Sandy River can pose dangers to all swimmers, regardless of experience, Gates said, noting that the bottom 'changes frequently with relation to debris and shifting rocks' and the water is 'always cold and can easily cause hypothermia year round.'

The fast and powerful current also adds to the danger of the river, he said.